The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1887-08-11
VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS,
THE CONVENTION AT ROANOKE
THURSDAY.


THURSDAY.
"A Sirgfnian's Endorsement of Cleye-
lands Administraion-Dani OPP
poses Civil service Reform
ROANOKE, Va, August 1.-The
Democratic State Convention assem-
bled at II o'clock The Hon. John
). Barbour, chairman of the State ex-
ecutive committee, called the conven-
ton to order
After loud calls Mr. Barbour arose
and addressed the Convention. He
said that the calling of Democratic
Convention was always in order in the
State, but there was great opposition
to this. But it was too obvious that
the Convention was necessary on ac-
| count of the momentous question in
| volved, He said that the question
before the people of Virginia was the
division on the debt question that pre-
sented itself. He said that differences
of opinion could be better determined
in the party, and counselled harmony
and dispassionate discussion of all the
issues involved.
Mr.. Barbour said that the delegates
| present were fresh from the people,
and no doubt reflected the sentiment
of the people. Far better would it be
that any differences of opinion be dis
covered now, rather than after the
election. Far better now than to
have the spectacle of candidate in
one part of the State running on one
/ L.
in the field holding different views,
both claiming to belong to the Demo
cratic party. If differences existed
now they were too radical to be recon
ciled without consultation, and a
house divided against itself, we are
told, cannot stand. There was anoth-
er reason to influence the decision for
the Convention. Heretofore organi-
zation was effected by special cam
paigns. There was no convention last
year and $4,000 Democrats remained
at home or declined to vote at the No
vember election. He for one, as
chairman of the Democratic commit
tee, was not willing to take the respon-
sibility, under the circumstances, Of
conducting campaign of SO much
Importance without convention. He
eulogized President Cleveland and
said he was the best President we have
had for quarter of a century.
This speech was loudly cheered, and
after quiet had been restored Mr..
Barbour nominated Samuel III. Mof
fatt, of Rockingham, for temporary
chairman. Upon taking the chair
Mr.. Moffatt eulogized the Admins
tration of Cleveland, and the cheers
were SO great that the speaker was in
terrupted for several minutes He
created the greatest enthusiasm when
he said that President Cleveland's s
Administration was the most Ameri-
can and the most honest that the
country had had during the last half
century. John Bell Bigger was elect.
ed secretary, and the Convention ad
lourned until o'clock.
The Convention reassembled at four
o'clock The Hon. John Goode, of
Norfolk, was made permanent chair
man, and addressed the Convention
declaring in favor of the Riddleberger
bill as a fnality il the settlement OF
| i
= dent Cleveland and was greeted with
| great applause. In conclusion he paid
, | warm tribute to the Pennsylvania
: troops, recently visitors at Gettysburg
The convention then took reces:
, until 8 p. M, and upon reassembling
: Senator John w. Daniel was called
' for with wild demonstrations. I'll,
D also eulogized the administration, bu
, condemned civil service reform il
< strong language.
a In a brief speech Lieutenant Gov
ernor Measey advocated giving bond
holders six months in which to funC
: old bonds into Riddleberger bond
q and hereafter refuse to refund fo
8 those who decline this settlement.
The planks of the platform are il
f substance as follows:
q 1. Endorses Cleveland
q 2. Demands abolition of interna
: revenue.
3. Favors tariff with incidental pro
3 lection.
o 4. Approves Legislatures refusa
+ of bondholders' terms, and adhere
# strictly to Riddleberger's bill
!. 5. Urges upon Congress a practica
d recognition of Virginia's demands fol
r compensation for past gifts of terrific
ry and the dismsmberment of tn
State.
6. Favors Confederate pensions b.
IS the State.
= Z. Pledges support to public school:
II 8. Promises to foster agriculture.
:. 8. Asserts the rights of the work
. ingmen and favors Federal legisla
o tion for their protection; endorse
t, Gov. Lee and opposes payment of tas
Is es in coupons.
4 I 10. Pledges protection to the oyste
interest.
> The Convention then adjourne
A. sine die.